Bliss, the Voice of SYMA ~ the social service Organisation rendering great service to people at Triplicane, Chennai.

1. Volume 12 Issue 4
Estd : 1977
BLISS
Regd.No. 200/6
Syma Website : www.syma.in
For internal circulation only
VOICE OF SRINIVAS YOUNGMEN’S ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER- 2013
From Editor’s Desk . . .
Dear (s)
Year 2013 is drawing to a close ~ every season heralds in some change ~ now you can find people with ear caps
on the roads of Marina … not to speak of those with ear-plugs walking on the roads all the time…. Chennaites are
o
intolerant to cold …. When mercury dips to less than 30 – it becomes bitterly cold – mufflers, monkey caps, ear muffs
and many more come out of wardrobes – and it is also the season of Music – the more pleasant kutcheris (Carnatic
music concerts) performed by highly competent musicians. The traditional role of the Music Season is to allow aficionados
of Carnatic music to appreciate performances by renowned artists, and to allow promising young artists to display
their talent and skill. How about SYMA joining the bandwagon and providing a platform unearthing young aspirants
to succeed Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyers and M.S. Subbulakshmis ?
Before that we are planning to have our mega annual fest for the children ‘Child Fest’ in the 1st week of January
2014.. do join us in hosting this event in a big measure. This issue details our Eye camp and our effort in Health care
and social service.
At a time when ATMs made news on their safety, a casual wrap-around in Thiruvallikkeni area exposed many
remote placed ones and those guarded by old not so agile guards located in places where people would not dare to
enter in fading light. Tehelka which was once known for exposures was caught exposed as its editor-in-chief Tarun
Tejpal was arrested on sexual assault charges by a woman colleague, now the media is ripe with that the filings made
by Tehelka’s holding company shows a negative networth with liabilities far exceeding its assets and that its auditors
have red-flagged issues like absence of an internal audit committee and non-payment of service tax, late payment of
salaries and lack of facilities to employees !!!
Now we have 43…... ‘Bharat Ratnas’ – that little walk to 22 yards in the centre at Wankhede made billions
emotional – for it marked the end of a glorious sage of 24 years of International Cricket for the man who is the only
player to have scored one hundred international centuries, the first batsman to score a double century in ODI and who
ended it on a high with so many records, many of which may not be broken in many years to come. Sachin has
retired as India embarks on a tough tour to South Africa which will test the new talents as also the official position of
the team. Back home Anand lost the challenge ~ but ‘old order has to change’ and we must appreciate Anand for the
- With Regards – S. Sampathkumar.
levels he took India with him.
ÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃ
SYMA Childfest is arriving…. Full details
would be on our website www.syma.in
soon.
We take this opportunity to thank the
Event Sponsor ‘Goldwinner’ and our
patron Mr CR
Sredhar for the
continued
support.
All of you are
requested to
partake and
make the event a grand success.
ÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃ
ÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃ
ÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃÃ
This is our Golden year - SYMA enters its 25th year
of service in Medical Service, thanks to Dr K Sridhar,
Kanchi Sankara Medical Trust and other well wishers
who initiated, guided and have been supporting us in
this field.
In another new initiative, we are
planning to have the medicines
distributed through a reputed
medical shop. We seek the wishes
of all and blessings of elders in our
new initiative.
1

2. Goldwinner – SYMA Childfest
Amidst our various projects, we are planning to conduct the Child Fest in the first week of January 2014. A couple
of days ago, we planned to improve the confidence and competitiveness of school children and thought of providing
them a platform to showcase their innate talents and thus Child Fest – the competition for school children was born.
Over the years it has blossomed into an event, much sought after by Schools as also parents of school children.
Child Fest has grown in size and colour, as we have been making thoughtful changes in its format – depending on the
mood of the children, at the same time ensuring that We encourage only the good and right attitude. Though timed
to be around Childrens’ day, over the years – the 2 day format has been conducted in various months including Feb
– depending on the vagaries of monsoon, availability of schools, avoiding proximity to examinations and like factors.
Drawing competition (for 1st to 12th) and Fancy dress for (LKg, UKg and 1st class) continue to attract most
numbers – while we have had various other competitions including Singing, Quiz, Dancing, Oratory, Instrumental
fusion, Drama and more. This year, we are planning to tamper with the existing format – do away with individual
Singing, Dance and Instrument fusion and have one competition – a combined one at that – wherein each school will
be given 20 minutes – within which they can perform 4 or 5 events and that can include – Singing, Individual artistic
performances, Drama, Instruments and the like. This is an attempt to move out of mundane routine and to infuse more
life in to already popular Child Fest. Also going by public demand, this year’s Quiz is likely to be in Tamil – with more
Qs with local flavour.
The venue most likely would be NKT National Girls Higher Secondary school – and will be on 4th and 5th of
January 2014. The event will be sponsored by Goldwinner and will be known as ‘GoldWinner SYMA Childfest
2013-14". Our Special thanks to our main sponsor - Mr CR Sredhar, who is recovering well from an unfortunate
road accident. We request all SYMA volunteers to be in touch, attend the events and help us in organizing the events
in the usual efficient manner. Look forward to seeing you all at the venue. Your suggestions are also welcome.
SYMA Growth has ambled into its 6th year of its operation. SYMA has been planning meticulously its long term
objectives of making the Society a better place. Education is the best of the riches that one can possess. With the
primary aim of providing quality education to poor students, we started our dream project ‘SYMA Growth’ – a full
fledged tuition centre in July 2008. From that day onwards, lots of SYMA volunteers have strained themselves to
ensure success of the project.
At the proverbial half-way mark, it is time the students realize that examinations are not far off. It is time they start
putting in more efforts and study smartly planning it well. Only hardwork coupled with good strategy would fetch
good marks. We feel that at this juncture pep-lecture by an eminent person would raise the spirit of the students,
guide them towards preparation of examination.
Suggestions are welcome. Do bring in somebody who could provide invaluable value addition by counselling
students, motivate and guide them in preparation for the public examinations. Dear SYMA members and patrons –
if you know a person whose speech you feel could be the turning point for our students, do liaise with us in providing
our students that golden opportunity. Do contact the Secretaries in person or over phone.
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2

3. kU¤Jt¥ gÂÆš irkh
At SYMA, we have been celebrating days of National
importance and 15th August is a Great day for the Nation.
Our founding fathers created the first oasis in the desert
of a colonized world nourished by democracy. The
concept of holding their homeland high is present in many
ethnic groups and provides the National identity.
On the great day of our National Independence, SYMA
continues to dedicate itself to the service of the Nation,
remember the patriotic deeds and sacrifices of so many,
because of whom we are breathing free air. At 8.30 am,
the National flag was hoisted by Dr R Parthasarathy, who
has been associated with VHS and Kanchi Kamakoti
Sankara Medical Trust.
At 09.15 am, Dr R Parthasarathy inaugurated the
‘Cataract detection Camp’ at Sri Seervi Samaj Bhavan
(next to Aanjaneya Swami temple) 0pp to V House Bus
Terminus. This camp was organized in association with
Pammal Sri Sankara Eye Hospital, Lions Club of Chennai,
Sri Kanchikamakoti Sankara Medical Trust and Seervi
Samaj. The function started with a prayer. Our Secretary
S Sampathkumar welcomed the gathering. President TA
Sampathkumar spoke about our various activities and R.
Sanjeevi proposed the vote of thanks.
The Chief Guest Dr Parthasarathy is no stranger to
SYMA as he alongwith Dr K Sridhar have been guiding
us and shaping us in our medical service. This humble
gentleman had dedicated himself to providing medical
service to the poor, has worked with VHS and other
Organisations. He was privileged to be
associated with and was the family Doctor
of the legendary singer Bharat Ratna – the
great MS Subbulakshmi. We were
delighted to have Dr Parthasarathi in our
midst delivering lecture in our forum and
guiding us.
‘Miracles cannot cure the blind, but together we can’
is their catchline. The importance of Eyes does not require
any elaboration. Prevention, control, treatment of eye
diseases is highly important and Sankara Eye Hospital,
Pammal has been in the forefront in this. It has been an
exclusive eye care centre with a singular vision of providing
high quality care especially to poor. We are proud of
our association with Sri J Babu, General manager of
Sankara Eye Hospital. He is extremely friendly and soft
spoken and responds readily for all calls of help. This
Great institution has been hi-tech eye care to the poorest
poor. Sankara Eye Hospital has conducted more than
5000 rural outreach eye camps from which close to
150000 cataract surgeries have been performed free
of cost.
We have been conducting eye camp on every
Independence Day and are proud of our association
with Sankara Eye hospital and Mr Babu in particular.
Mr Babu detailed about the troubles that could ail vision
, of the activities of Pammal Sankara Hospital and spoke
on the need for eye donation.
More than 250 persons had registered in the camp.
Around 200 were screened. 20 persons were prescribed
spectacles – which will be given free by SYMA – in
memory of our beloved Raghavan, who was snatched
away from our midst 3 years ago. 13 persons were
detected with eye problems requiring surgical treatment
for cataract. They were provided meals and were taken
to Pammal Sankara Eye Hospital, Pammal. We place
on record our appreciation to Mr MA Sadagopan for
the coordination and arrangement of the Eye Camp.
Those underwent operation were brought back and
dropped at Triplicane this morning. The beneficiaries
were very happy and blessed SYMA for our active social
service and wished the well being of all of us. We at
SYMA continue to strive for the betterment of society
and provide helping hand to the poor and needy.
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Q: On the day Sachin made the bow at Wankhede, he was awarded Bharat Ratna, taking the
no. of recipients to 43. The award adds another record as he becomes the youngest recipient.
Do you know who is the eldest person among the recipients ? In fact, the eldest person far
outlived even those posthumously awarded BR !!
Ans in Page 4
3

4. Ans for Question Pg 3: Bharat Ratna (Gem of India) is the highest civilian award of our Nation. Surprisingly,
the norms state that a maximum of three awards may be made in a given year. The holders of the Bharat
Ratna rank 7th in the Indian order of precedence; however, the honour does not carry a monetary grant.
The honour does not confer any pre- or post-nominal titles or letters. Sachin Tendulkar is to become the
youngest recipient. Dhondo Keshav Karve is the eldest person alive at the time of receiving the award (age
100) and Vallabhbhai Patel is the eldest overall (posthumously at the age of 75).
Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve (1858 – 1962), popularly known as Maharishi Karve, was a social reformer who
did yeoman service in the field of women’s welfare. In honour of Karve, Queen’s Road in Mumbai (Bombay)
was renamed to Maharishi Karve Road
He was conferred Bharat Ratna in 1958, the year of his 100th birthday. The appellation Maharshi, often
assigned to Karve, means ”a great sage”. He was also sometimes affectionately called “Annâ Karve”; in the
Marâthi-speaking community to which Karve belonged, the appellation “Annâ” is often used to address
either one’s father or an elder brother.
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SYMA condoles the passing away of eminent social worker, Ms Sarojini Varadappan on 17th Oct 2013. The
daughter of former Chief Minister of Madras, M. Bhaktavatsalam is remembered for her relentless social service. Her
passion towards studies is exhibited by the fact that at 60, she got a postgraduate degree in Political science and a
Ph.D Vaishnavism at ripe age of 80.
She was recognized with many awards – the Padma Shri in 1973 and Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilan
award in 2009. She was associated with a number of organisations, especially those working in the areas of
women’s welfare and empowerment and was associated with eminent women public figures including Muthulakshmi
Reddy, Durgabai Deshmukh, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Lakshmi Menon in her early days. She was the
chairperson of NK Thirumalachariyar group of Educational institutions and we had some occasions to interact with
her. We proudly recall that Ms Sarojini Varadappan was our Chief Guest on 28th July 2012 in our School Uniform
distribution function held at NKT Girls High School. SYMA deeply condoles her death.
With deep anguish BLISS condoles the passing away of Sri NS Ramanujam father of our Mr. SR Ragunathan
Ramanujam,
[Ex Secretary, SYMA] on 30th Oct 2013. He was 81. He would be remembered for the grit, discipline and other
2013
good traits. We deeply condole the passing away of this elderly gentleman and pays respect to the departed soul.
Our elderly member Thiru Pichu Mani Iyer passed away on 2.12.13. He was 78. Sri Pichumani Iyer had been
doing Archaga kainkaryam at the Pillaiyar kovil at TP Koil lane. This pleasant man was known to the locals for his
adoration of holy cows and the poojas organized by him propagating protection of holy cow. In his death, Triplicane
has lost a good devotee, dedicated to cow protection and propagation of good things. Bliss grieves and condoles his
death.
mQf nt©oa KftÇ : irkh BLISS
irkh bko¡fš br‹l®
29, Jsá§f bgUkhŸ nfhÆš bjU
âUtšÈ¡nfÂ, br‹id -600 005.ngh‹:28445050
: T.A. Sampathkumar 9841078109 .
S.Sampathkumar 9940086033
R. Sanjeevi 9940086026
E-mail : srinivasyoungmensassociation@yahoo.co.in.
Website : www.syma.in
4
Editor : S. Sampath Kumar,
: 28442593.
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